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CFL Derby watched by 19.7 lakh viewers on Jalsha Movies
MUMBAI: It is a known fact that Bengal is the mecca of Indian football. That East Bengal and Mohun Bagan continue to rule the hearts of millions of Bengali’s was proven yet again with the success of the Derby match held during Calcutta Football League. People tuned in hoards to watch the most followed tie in Bengal, according to Star India.
The match was watched by 19.7 lakh viewers on Jalsha Movies that surpassed the viewership of the FIFA World Cup Finals (18.3 lakh) on Sony Aath, according to data provided by Star India.
This is also the highest rated Derby match ever across any channel in Bengal. It garnered a rating of 266 TVTs in M 25 + AB and 801 TVTs in CS 4+ beating all previous records.
Not only did the viewers tune in but on an average they spent over 66 minutes watching this engrossing match.
The hall mark of this year’s CFL is its short, tighter schedule and for the first time ever in the leagues history, the tournament will be decided in a month’s time.
Star Jalsha and Jalsha Movies business head Kevin Vaz commented, “The success of the Derby match and the average match ratings of CFL strengthens our belief that football is big in Bengal.”
He added that the the channel would continue to bring unmatched football coverage with never before seen packaging, high definition slow motion cameras along with commentary by former national football captains which they hope will bring in new viewers.
Jalsha Movies reaches out to nine million viewers every week. The channel which has showcased some of the biggest movies is optimistic of increasing its footprint even further with its foray into football.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
